We met at the very popular Hopcat in downtown Kalamazoo. Joe had just gotten off work doing a double shift as a server there and I was out with a group for my close friend/bridesmaid Alesia's birthday. Joe caught my eye and we chatted all night, convincing him to stay out with us for the night instead of goin home. The next day, we went back to Hopcat again for brunch as he was working, where I slipped him my number with much moral support from Alesia. He texted me the next day and the rest is history.

Joe knows I love surprises and fall, so he got together both our families for a weekend getaway in Southwest Michigan. The whole time he told me it was just so our families could meet, to celebrate my birthday, and that his mom wanted to take formal pictures of their family as they hadn't had any in awhile of them all together. As we were doing the shoot at Warren Woods state park, Joe popped the question in front of all of our siblings and parents. It was the best surprise!

Many reasons prompted us to have a small ceremony to get married this year. Although we would have loved to have everyone close to us present the first time, it would have been very difficult amidst the circumstances. Netty (Joe's mom) planned a very small party after our church ceremony and we are so grateful we got to marry each other this year (2021)! However, we knew we wanted to celebrate with everyone special in our lives, which is why we are doing a much larger wedding ceremony and following reception next year. We can't wait to see you all there!